The Late American music icon Elvis Presley continues to make an impression in the entertainment industry. There have been allegations that the “King of Rock and Roll” was a racist, but Priscilla Presley has dismissed the claims, taking a stand for her ex-spouse.
He loved being around blacks: Priscilla Presley shoots down allegations of Elvis being a racist
Elvis Presley amused music lovers with his eminent songs for ages in the 90s which were said to possess their origins in black music. At the same time, the singer was detested by people of some sections of society for speculations of being a racist and upholding vulgarity with his signature dance moves, as well as allegations that he stole the works of black artists.
Priscilla Presley, who was married to Elvis from 1967 to 1973, has always maintained her ex-husband’s image and legacy. The adored Rock N Roll singer had been criticized despite being loved by his fans. In a recently developed documentary film about the prestigious singer, directed by Baz Luhrmann, Elvis’s ex-wife Priscilla appeared to dismiss the racist claims, by stating that her former husband had black friends and had no issues regarding color.
“He’s never been a racist. Elvis had friends, Black friends, friends from all over,” said the 77-year-old businesswoman and actress, “He loved their music.”
Priscilla brought out the singer’s association with certain Black artists who were successful at that time when Elvis was alive.
“I mean, Fats Domino, when he was in Vegas, he was in the lounge playing, and he would always, we would always, go and hang out with him,” she went on, “Sammy Davis Jr [did] the same thing; he would always come into the dressing room. He loved, loved being around blacks and being around anyone actually.” [H/T Popculture.com]
The couple had a remarkable Hollywood love story. Elvis courted her for eight years, first meeting Priscilla when she was just 14 years old during his stint in the Army while serving in Germany. They started seeing each other and maintained contact even after Elvis was back home to America. Priscilla would often visit Elvis in the States, before moving permanently in 1963 under conditions of marriage from her parents.
When Priscilla was 21 she married 37-year-old Elvis in Las Vegas on 1st May 1967. The following year they welcomed their only child, Lisa Marie. Priscilla gave assurance that the two never had sexual intercourse before marriage.
The wedlock wasn’t long lasting as after six years, they were separated. Priscilla, in her 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, claimed that Elvis lost interest in her after her pregnancy, which was followed by Priscilla starting an affair with a karate instructor, Mike Stone. Their divorce was finalized in 1973, a year after they were separated.
